News

Finds end zone

Thielen caught all three of his targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against Atlanta.

Analysis: Thielen scored the Vikings' first touchdown of the regular season, hauling in a 23-yard score in the first quarter. He wasn't officially targeted again until after halftime, when he caught two more passes of 12 and eight yards. The Vikings jumped out to a 28-0 lead, which limited Kirk Cousins to just 10 pass attempts, so Thielen's three targets were not an indication that he was surpassed by other receivers on the team. The Vikings will play at Lambeau Field in Week 2, a contest that could…read more

Published: Sun, Sep 8 at 2:01pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Doesn't appear on injury report

Analysis: After taking a seat during the third game of the preseason due to what was termed as soreness, Thielen was back in the practice field in full capacity Wednesday. The same can't be said of Stefon Diggs, who sat out due to a hamstring injury. The extent of Diggs' injury isn't known, but any limitations for the wideout would likely equate to more targets for Thielen on Sunday versus the Falcons.

Published: Wed, Sep 4 at 1:57pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Absence blamed on soreness

Coach Mike Zimmer said Thielen didn't play in Saturday's preseason win against the Cardinals because the wide receiver "was a little sore," Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Zimmer intimated Thielen would have gutted it out if it was the regular season, but there was no reason to risk aggravating the concern, hence the precaution. Thielen is unlikely to take the field in preseason Week 4, so he'll have approximately two weeks to get back to 100 percent for the Vikings' regular-season opener Sunday, Sept. 8 versus the Falcons.

Published: Sat, Aug 24 at 4:13pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Likely not playing Saturday

Thielen is not participating in pre-game warm-ups and is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Cardinals, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: The Vikings will roll with a number of their regulars, including running back Dalvin Cook, for an extended look during the first half, so it's a bit surprising to see Thielen held out. As of now, there's no reported injury so it appears the team is simply being cautious with its star receiver. Expect Chad Beebe and Jordan Taylor to benefit the most from the Thielen's absence.

Published: Sat, Aug 24 at 9:30am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Strong preseason debut

Thielen hauled in all three of his targets for 45 yards in Sunday's preseason win over the Seahawks. He added five rushing yards on one attempt.

Analysis: Thielen did that amount of damage on just two offensive drives, even baiting a long pass interference penalty to cap off his day. The soon-to-be 29-year-old was in sync with Kirk Cousins, and those two should be connecting heavily this year after Thielen was targeted 153 times in 2018. Expect Thielen to be involved in the Vikings' third preseason matchup against the Cardinals on Saturday.

Published: Sun, Aug 18 at 8:35pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Gets his big payday

Thielen agreed Friday to a four-year, $64 million extension with the Vikings, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Thielen played the past two seasons under a four-year, $19.25 million contract, making him one of the best bargains in the NFL. The new deal puts him closer to other top wide receivers, including teammate Stefon Diggs (five years, $72 million). The Vikings had no trouble finding work for their star pass catchers in 2018, with both Diggs and Thielen finishing in the top 10 for targets while accounting for 49.8 percent of the team total. Thielen's new contract reportedly could be worth as much as…read more

Published: Fri, Apr 12 at 2:11pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Hoping for new deal

Thielen's agent is cautiously optimistic the Vikings will reward his client with a new contract this offseason, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Thielen has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $19.25 million contract, with base salaries of $5.85 million in 2019 and $5.35 million in 2020, per OverTheCap.com. He's arguably the best value in the league for a player not on a rookie contract -- a result of being a late bloomer who signed his deal after a 967-yard breakout campaign in 2016. Thielen took another leap in 2017 with 1,276 receiving yards, followed by 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018. He can easily make the case he's more…read more

Published: Wed, Feb 20 at 9:24am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Shut down by Chicago

Thielen snagged three of four targets for 38 yards during Sunday's loss to Chicago. He also rushed once for minus-1 yard.

Analysis: No Vikings receiver was particularly productive on a day quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for a season-low 132 passing yards against the league's seventh-ranked pass defense. Thielen was no exception, though he arguably had one of the toughest matchups he could ask for going against 2018 first-team All-Pro cornerback Kyle Fuller. With that said, it was a fitting end to a season that saw Thielen average 115.6 receiving yards per game through the first half of the season but only 56 per game over…read more

Published: Fri, Jan 4 at 1:21pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bounces back with 80 yards

Thielen caught five of six targets for 80 yards and added a three-yard carry in Sunday's 27-9 win over Detroit.

Analysis: Thielen bounced back nicely from last week's 19-yard effort, posting his highest receiving yardage total since Week 12 and second highest since Week 8. He's slowed down dramatically after a historically hot start to the season, but Thielen should remain involved against the Bears in Week 17 with his Vikings trying to clinch a playoff spot.

Published: Sun, Dec 23 at 1:52pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Disappoints in blowout win

Thielen hauled in both of his targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 41-17 win over Miami.

Analysis: After eclipsing 100 receiving yards in eight consecutive games to start the season, Thielen has done so only once over the past six, coming up short of 30 yards three times. Despite his recent decline in production, it will be tough to take Thielen out of the lineup against the Lions in Week 16, considering his robust totals of 105 catches for 1,255 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Published: Sun, Dec 16 at 1:39pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Gets yards late

Thielen caught five of seven targets for 70 yards in Monday night's 21-7 loss to the Seahawks. He also rushed once for eight yards.

Analysis: Thielen entered the evening averaging over 11 targets per game, but quarterback Kirk Cousins did not throw a single ball his direction during the first half. In truth, Thielen made little impact until Minnesota's final drive of the night, which saw him catch two passes for 47 yards while his team trailed by 21 points. Fortunately for Thielen, that came after he tweaked his ankle during the second half and was able to return without appearing limited, seemingly avoiding an injury scare. With…read more

Published: Mon, Dec 10 at 8:43pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Returns to Monday's contest

Thielen (ankle) returned to Monday's game against the Seahawks, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Thielen briefly exited the game after getting his ankle rolled up on in the fourth quarter, but returned on the subsequent series. He could face limitations in the coming week of practice, so keep an eye on his status in advance of Week 15's home matchup against the Dolphins.

Published: Mon, Dec 10 at 8:03pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Questionable with ankle injury

Thielen is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Seahawks with an ankle injury.

Analysis: Thielen has been held in check for a vast majority of Monday's contest, hauling in only three of five targets for 23 yards and adding one rush for eight yards. The stud wideout appeared to have his ankle rolled up on by Shaquill Griffin on a pass breakup in the fourth quarter. Laquon Treadwell would be in for a larger role if Thielen is forced to miss the rest of the game.

Published: Mon, Dec 10 at 7:53pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Held to 28 receiving yards

Thielen caught five of 10 targets for 28 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Despite seeing double-digit targets yet again, Thielen garnered plenty of attention from the Pats defense and finished with his second-lowest yardage output of the season. He did manage to haul in a 5-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, which somewhat salvaged his day from a fantasy perspective. After topping 100 receiving yards in his first eight games, Thielen has now been held under 70 in three of the last four and finished with less than 30 yards in two of those. He has found the end…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 2 at 4:55pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Cleared to face Pats

Thielen (calf) isn't listed on the Vikings' final injury report for Sunday's game in New England, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While there was never much concern about Thielen's availability, fellow wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) is listed as questionable after managing just one limited practice this week. A Diggs absence might push a few extra targets in Thielen's direction, but it would also allow the Patriots to shift their focus even more toward the middle of the field, where the 28-year-old does his best work. Either way, Thielen is safely established as a top-10 wideout play each and every week.

Published: Fri, Nov 30 at 10:55am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Remains limited at practice

Analysis: For the third week in a row, a calf injury was attached to Thielen, inducing a cap on his practice reps. Expect him to be cleared on the Vikings' final injury of Week 13, as he has been before both of the team's previous two games. Assuming he is, Thielen will face a Patriots defense Sunday that has yielded 7.5 YPT and 12 touchdowns to wide receivers this season.

Published: Thu, Nov 29 at 2:04pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Limited by calf issue

Thielen (calf) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: Thielen had been listed on the Vikings' practice reports the last couple of weeks with both calf and lower-back injuries, but it appears the latter issue is no longer a concern. The calf injury probably isn't anything worth worrying about either, given that Thielen still managed to practice in some capacity during the Vikings' first session of Week 13. Thielen is in little danger of missing Sunday's game against the Patriots and should remain a highly-targeted option in the Minnesota passing…read more

Published: Wed, Nov 28 at 1:45pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Back over century mark

Thielen brought in eight of nine targets for 125 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 win over Green Bay.

Analysis: After starting the season with a record-breaking eight straight 100-yard games, Thielen had fallen into a mini slump with just 88 combined yards over his previous two. The 28-year-old got back to his WR1 ways and even made a highlight-reel leaping catch in double coverage to secure a huge gain in the second quarter. Next week's opponent, the Patriots, surrender 381.4 yards per game to opposing passing offenses, so Thielen has a solid chance to post another huge stat line in Week 13.

Published: Sun, Nov 25 at 10:45pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Cleared for SNF

Thielen (calf/back) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Thielen upgraded to full participation Friday after logging limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. He burnt the Packers for a 12-131-1 receiving line on 13 targets back in Week 2, marking his second of eight straight games with triple-digit yardage. Thielen was held to 88 yards on 19 targets over the past two weeks, but he should get back on track against a Green Bay defense with serious injury concerns.

Published: Fri, Nov 23 at 1:21pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Limited again Thursday

Thielen (calf/lower back) was listed as limited on the Vikings' injury report Thursday.

Analysis: With back-to-back listings of "limited" this week, Thielen is following his precise regimen from Week 11 prep, when he was eventually cleared on Friday's report. This past Sunday at Chicago, he logged his usual significant snap count (all 67 on offense) en route to gathering in seven of 12 passes for 66 yards. The Vikings' final Week 12 practice report will reveal if Thielen is ready for a similar workload for Sunday's showdown against the Packers.

Published: Thu, Nov 22 at 11:36am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Manages limited practice

Thielen (calf/lower back) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: The same injuries resulted in Thielen logging limited practice reps last Wednesday and Thursday, but he ultimately suited up in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Bears and made seven catches for 66 yards. Thielen handled a normal snap count in that contest and didn't report any injury-related setbacks heading into this week, so the assumption is that his restrictions Wednesday were mainly for maintenance purposes.

Published: Wed, Nov 21 at 2:15pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Nabs seven catches in loss

Thielen caught seven of 12 targets for 66 yards in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Bears.

Analysis: Thielen had been dealing with calf and back injuries during practice this week, but he was cleared for action in an important divisional matchup. Teammate Stefon Diggs turned in the bigger fantasy line (13 catches, 126 yards and a score), but Thielen still did work for those in PPR formats. The 28-year-old has finished below the century mark in receiving yards for two straight games after surpassing that total through the first eight games of the season. Still, the targets are there, so there…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 18 at 11:36pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Cleared to face Chicago

Thielen (lower back/calf) isn't listed on the Vikings' final injury report ahead of Sunday's game in Chicago.

Analysis: Coming out of a bye week, Thielen never seemed to be in any real danger of missing this crucial contest. He gets an interesting Week 11 matchup against a Chicago defense that has given up the eighth-most receiving yards per game to wideouts (177.6) this season, despite the fact the unit is playing at a high level as a whole.

Published: Fri, Nov 16 at 10:41am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Remains limited Thursday

Analysis: During the part of Thursday's session open to the media, Thielen worked with the wide receiver group, but that was the extent of his activity, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. Thielen has one more day to alleviate concerns about his health, with Friday's injury report providing the last word on his potential to play Sunday night in Chicago.

Published: Thu, Nov 15 at 2:41pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Dealing with back, calf injuries

Thielen was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to calf and lower-back injuries.

Analysis: Thielen's eight-game streak with at least 100 receiving yards to start the season was broken in the Vikings' previous game Week 9 versus the Lions, but he made up for it with his seventh touchdown of the campaign. Following the team's Week 10 bye, the wide receiver is tending to a pair of injuries, but his presence at practice in some capacity dispels some of the worry about his upcoming availability. No matter, Thielen's status should be watched closely to learn whether an absence is possible…read more

Published: Wed, Nov 14 at 2:24pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Snaps 100-yard streak at eight games

Thielen caught four of seven targets for 22 yards and a touchdown while adding a five-yard carry in Sunday's 24-9 win over the Lions.

Analysis: Thielen didn't come particularly close to extending his streak of 100-yard receiving games to nine, so he'll have to settle for a tie with Calvin Johnson for the NFL record at eight straight such games. He still provided a serviceable fantasy performance courtesy of a two-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Minnesota jumped out to a double-digit lead by halftime and didn't ask much of the passing game with the defense dominating, but Thielen's receiving production is likely to tick right back…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 4 at 1:49pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com